King Charles joined by European royals to pay tribute ahead of Pope Francis’s funeral
King Charles led royal tributes to Pope Francis following the pontiff’s death aged 88 at the Vatican’s Saint Martha residence on Monday.
His Majesty said he was “deeply saddened” by the Pope’s passing, noting that Francis would be “remembered for his compassion” and had “profoundly touched the lives of so many”.
The death of the first Latin American Pope prompted an outpouring of condolences from Europe’s royal houses.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands expressed being “deeply saddened” in a letter posted to the Royal House website.
King Charles led royal tributes to Pope Francis following the pontiff’s death aged 88 at the Vatican’s Saint Martha residence on Monday
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Monarchs from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Jordan were among those quick to share tributes following the announcement of the Pope’s death from stroke and heart failure.
The Belgian royal family shared their “great sadness” on Instagram, noting their special connection following the Pope’s visit to Laeken Castle last September.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, who will attend Saturday’s funeral, praised Francis as “a great man, close to the most humble and concerned about the world’s problems”.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco expressed “infinite sadness” alongside a photo from their 2022 meeting with the pontiff.
Princess Charlene of Monaco expressed ‘infinite sadness’ alongside a photo from their 2022 meeting with the pontiff
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King Felipe of Spain, writing on behalf of Queen Letizia and the Spanish Royal Family, highlighted Francis’s testimony to “love of neighbor, brotherhood and social friendship”.
The Spanish monarch added that the entire Royal Family joined in conveying their “condolences and affection” to the Catholic Church.
The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis died from a cerebral stroke leading to irreversible heart failure, with Dr Andrea Arcangeli issuing the official certification.
His death came less than a month after a 38-day battle with double pneumonia, with his final public appearance being Easter Sunday in St Peter’s Square.
King Felipe of Spain penned a tribute on behalf of Queen Letizia and the Spanish Royal Family
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